OC has strong showing at top programming competition

OC students had two teams place in the top 25 at the South Central Regional ACM Computer Programming Contest.

Oklahoma Christian University once again had a strong showing in one of the top competitions for computer science programming last week.

OC was one of just six universities with two teams in the top 25 at the South Central Regional Association of Computing Machinery Computer Programming Contest. The other five were Baylor University, Louisiana State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Texas-Austin, and the University of Texas-Dallas.

“Our students had a remarkable showing,” said Don Leftwich, chair of the department of mathematical computer and information sciences. “These results show, once again, how well our students measure up when compared with very good students from other universities.”

OC’s teams finished 12th and 21st in the “open” division, which includes universities with graduate programs. Oklahoma Christian placed third and fourth among teams from Oklahoma, and second and fifth among teams without a graduate student.

“In some ways, it’s not a surprise that OC teams did well in this competition,” Leftwich said. “During the past 10 to 15 years, OC teams have consistently placed in the top 25 and occasionally top 10 or top five. Because of our history in this event, competitors and faculty sponsors from other universities expect to see OC teams at the top of the standings.”

OC’s 12th place team consisted of Sarah Bell, Tanya Thompson and Robert Rugamba. The 21st place team consisted of Corbin Murrow of Oklahoma City, Kyler Johnson and Silas Morris.

The contest included 59 teams overall and was held at three locations. OC’s three teams competed at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.